Into Each Life

by Shelia E. Bell

  “Didn’t you hear anything I just said, Sara? It just isn’t right!” He pulled away from her, this time his anger was evident. “I want you to have my last name too. What kind of example are we setting for Andrew, huh? Answer that.” yelled Anthony.

  “Well, if things aren’t good enough for you the way they are, maybe we should just, just do something else because I can’t marry you.”

  “Sara, you know what? Maybe you’re right. Maybe we do need to just do something else, as you put it,” he mocked. “I tell you what. While you’re on the way to Faith’s funeral, why don’t you do this?” Anthony didn’t flinch a muscle as he spoke. Sara remained still as a statue. “You think about us. Think about what you want for our future. Think about what Faith and Prodigal had and about what we have now. When you get back we’ll settle things between us once and for all. No more playing games, Sara. No more.” The anger spouted from him like an open fire hydrant.

  Sara was shocked. She hadn’t expected an ultimatum. She didn’t know what she was going to do. She nodded her head as if in agreement, turning away from him she went in her bedroom to start packing without saying another word to Anthony.

  ♦

  Faith’s death opened Sara’s eyes to how temporary life truly is. She thought of the mistake, or rather the accident, she had made with Anthony. She loved her son. But if she admitted it to herself, she just didn’t know if she was in love with the man who helped to produce such a loving child as Andrew.

  Anthony expected her to give him an answer about their future together when she returned. She would be back in a day or two and she hated the fact that she had to have her entire future planned in such a short span of time.

  She analyzed the situation on the flight to Bonsai Bay. She was comfortable with Anthony. He was a good man, definitely a good father and a great provider. After thinking about all of his great qualities, she still didn’t believe she was actually in love with him. But they had been a part of each other’s lives since high school, so there must be something she felt for him, she reasoned. There had never been another man in her life to compare Anthony against. She had thought about the possibility of dating someone else but was too afraid to act on any of her mixed up feelings. Sara was determined not to make another mistake like she had with Anthony. Still a fairly attractive, busty woman who sported a short bleached blonde natural hairstyle, Sara was a stylish dresser too. A trait she picked up from her Aunt Vashti. Some of the people at work labeled her a flirt. She had to admit that she did like to see if men were still attracted to her, so she knew that she could be a big flirt when she wanted to.

  Maybe, just maybe, she said to herself while staring out the window of the plane, that’s how I’ve survived all these years with Anthony.

  Had she not had her fantasy world of men, she probably would have left him long ago. But this was the real world and Anthony was insisting that she make a decision. She didn’t see any way she would be able to avoid giving him an answer. She had to think of how her decision would affect Andrew, too. She dared not do anything that she thought would ruin his happiness. He loved his father dearly and he loved the idea of his parents getting married. Anthony had continually impressed that upon his son’s mind every chance he had.

  When she arrived in Bonsai Bay, Sara’s thoughts yielded to her reason for being there. Of all the couples in the world, why did this have to happen to destroy Prodigal and Faith’s lives together? God had his reasons for everything, but she just couldn’t see it in this sad occasion.

  ♦

  Teary commandeered the rent-a-car into the passenger pick-up area of the airport and parked. Looking down at her watch to check the time, she waited patiently for fifteen minutes before seeing Sara coming through the outside double doors of the massive airport.

  Jumping out of the car, Teary squealed, “Sara!” loud enough for several people, including Sara, to look in the direction of the voice. Running into each other’s arms, the two sisters embraced each other tightly. It had been almost two years since they’d seen each other. Their main means of communication was via email or a phone call once a month. They lived totally different lives on separate sides of the U.S. which made it even more difficult for them to hook up with each other as much as they may have wanted to. “How are you, girl?” Looking around the outside airport area while helping Sara put her luggage in the trunk of the rent-a-car Teary commented, “I thought Anthony and Andrew were coming with you.”

  “They were, but Andrew had a basketball camp to attend. Plus Anthony and I decided that it would be better if Andrew didn’t have to see this. It’s so terrible about Faith, Teary. We didn’t want to interrupt his school and his sports with something so sad. So Anthony stayed home.” They climbed inside the car and resumed their conversation. “I already know what you’re thinking.”

  “What am I thinking, sis?” asked Teary, looking over at Sara smiling.

  “You’re thinking that since Andrew’s a young man, he can stay home and take care of himself. But you know me. I believe in guidance twenty four seven. It helps to keep our young people on the straight and narrow. You know there’s so much going on out there in the streets, Teary.”

  “See, I wasn’t going to say anything like that. I think it’s great that you, Anthony and Andrew are as close as you are. It’s good to be loved and share love like the three of you do. I’m proud of the fine job you’ve done raising Andrew. I can only imagine that it hasn’t always been easy for you,” Teary replied before switching the subject to Anthony. “Now, tell me about you and Anthony. Have you decided to tie the knot yet?”

  “Actually, he’s given me an ultimatum. Can you believe that?” Sara said, her arms flailing. “When I get back home he expects me to tell him where we stand in our relationship. I don’t know what I’m going to do, Teary. I don’t know if I want to spend the rest of my life with Anthony.”

  Teary eyed the look of utter confusion on her sister’s face. She believed that deep inside, Sara did love Anthony. There was no doubt in Teary’s mind that Anthony loved Sara. She didn’t know what was holding Sara back from making a total commitment to him.

  “Have you prayed about it, Sara?”

  “A little, but not like I should. I don’t think I’ve really ever turned it over to God. I think I’m scared that things won’t last between us if we get married. I don’t know why I feel like this, Teary. I just do, that’s all.”

  “Look, don’t think about it right now.” Teary said, pulling into the circular drive of the hotel where Sara would be staying. “While you check in, I’ll get a luggage carrier to put your bags on.”

  “Thanks, sis. I’ll meet you in the lobby.”

  Sara checked into her hotel room. The sisters talked non-stop. When Sara went inside the bathroom to take a shower, Teary talked to her from the other side of the bathroom door.

  “I told Prodigal I wouldn’t be gone too long. When you finish your shower, we’ll leave. I know you want to visit with everyone before the funeral tomorrow.”

  “Teary, you’re really a good friend to him. He’s blessed to have you in his life.”

  “We’re blessed to have each other.” responded Teary.

  Sara came out of the bathroom with a hotel towel wrapped around her hair and her body. “How is he holding up? How are his boys doing?”

  “He’s having a really hard time, girl. He and Faith were the perfect couple, then something like this happens. And to think, it happened so fast. As for the boys, they’re doing okay. Prodigal’s neighbors and his church family have been keeping them occupied. I helped Prodigal with the arrangements. Fantasia and Mrs. Runsome are here so that helps too. There’s nothing like the presence of family during a time like this.”

  “Yeah, you’re right about that. My heart goes out to him, Teary. I can’t begin to imagine how he feels. I hope I never have to experience it.”

  ♦

  William was taken aback when he heard the hysterical voice, screaming over the tele
phone. It took him a moment to realize that the frantic voice belonged to Ruth. But what was going on? His heart raced wildly as her penetrating screams saturated the air.

  “William.” cried Ruth into the phone receiver.

  “Ruth, please. What’s going on?” he asked in a worried tone. She was frantic. Out of control. He could barely understand what she was saying. “Wait a minute. Calm down, tell me what’s wrong.”

  “Calm down? I can’t calm down. My daughter-in-law just died. Oh, William. How I hurt for him. She was such a lovely, beautiful, and strong Christian woman. She was so good for not only Prodigal, but all of us in the family. Ohhh, William.” she ranted and raved. Her cries penetrated his heart.

  “Ruth, I’ll be right over, sweetheart.” He abruptly hung up the phone, changed into his blue velour jogging suit, grabbed his jacket and rushed out the door. He must have driven his Lincoln Navigator every bit of ninety miles an hour trying to get to Ruth as fast as he could.

  What was normally a forty five minute drive took William less than twenty minutes. Fantasia met him at the door, eyes puffy and red, obviously from crying herself.

  He reached out and grabbed her, pulling her close to his chest. She couldn’t hold back any longer. Her tears fell freely as if his arrival allowed her to release her full devastation.

  “Yes, yes, there now. Everything will be all right, Fantasia. Shhh baby, you’ll see. Everything will be just fine.”

  “Thank you for coming,” Fantasia said between sobs. “I’ll be fine. But, I don’t know about my mother. I don’t know if she can take this again, William. I just don’t know.”

  “Where is she?” William wanted to console Ruth. He had to see her.

  “She’s upstairs. Go on up. I just made her some warm spiced tea. Would you like some?” Fantasia asked, still sniffling.

  “No, no, I’m fine. I know how to go in the kitchen and get some if I decide to a little later. You just try to take it easy. I’ll let you know when I leave,” he replied.

  “Okay. I’m going to go and lay down. I have to try to make some sense of all this.” Fantasia turned and left William to go to his mother’s rescue.

  William leaped up the spiral staircase two at a time. He tapped lightly on the oak door while simultaneously turning the knob and entering her room. Ruth sat with her head in her folded hands, pressed against the back of the teal sofa, staring aimlessly out the window. William couldn’t tell if she even heard him enter.

  “Ruth,” he called out softly to her. When she didn’t make a stir, he cautiously walked over to her, taking a seat beside her. She turned and glanced at him with a look of pain that he knew only too well.

  “William.” She fell into the warmth of his embrace. He held her tight, like he would never let her go. Gently stroking her hair, he kissed her tears as they streamed down her cheeks, then cradled her in his arms until sleep overtook her. William sat and held her as she slept underneath the curl of his arms.

  Bright and early the next morning a white Cadillac limo pulled up in front of Ruth’s luxury condo.

  “William, thank you. Your friendship means the world to me. I don’t know what Fantasia and I would do if you weren’t here.”

  “Hey, don’t even go there. You two mean a lot to me too. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. Now you just take care of yourself and I’ll see you when you get back, okay? Has the driver arrived yet?” asked William as he stirred around in the room drinking a cup of strong black coffee. It had been a long night for him. Even after convincing Ruth to get in her bed, he had remained awake watching her as she slept.

  “I think that’s him pulling up in the drive now.” She answered sadly as she stood looking out of the second floor window.

  “Look, go on and be with your family. I’ll be praying for your strength and for your son’s strength too,” William said, resting his hand on her shoulder. “Whether you want to hear this or not, God is with you and your family, Ruth. Believe me. He really is.”

  “I think I have everything packed and ready.” Ruth moved away from the window. Refusing to look at William, she retreated downstairs to greet the driver. She couldn’t bear to hear any well meaning words about God. She felt betrayed by Him and now was not the time.

  William remained with Ruth and Fantasia until it was time for them to leave. Walking outside with them, William hugged Ruth before kissing her tenderly. Walking over to Fantasia, he hugged her too and kissed her forehead.

  “If you need anything. I mean anything, you call me,” William instructed.

  “I will, William,” Fantasia said. “Thank you for everything.”

  “I’ll call you when we get there,” said Ruth. Deep dark circles underneath her eyes revealed her pain.

  ♦

  Hope and David, along with their five stair-step children, arrived the day before the funeral. Their first child, David, Jr., was six years old, followed by five year old twins Elizabeth and Mary, three year old Daniel, and eight month old Noah. Hope was a full time mom and loving wife. Their relationship was solid and their love was complete with true unconditional love and devotion for one another. Upon graduating from high school, David Peters had attended seminary. Throughout his seminary days he gained further spiritual guidance and knowledge under the tutelage of none other than Pastor Grace. David was welcomed with open arms as the pastor of Mount Sinai Christian Church. The small congregation loved their new, young, energetic pastor and his lovely wife, first lady Hope Peters.

  When Hope and David first arrived at Prodigal’s house, Kevin and Kaleb dashed for the sound of the chattering Peters brood. The cousins didn’t see each other often, but they acted like they played together every day.

  “Prodigal, I’m so sorry to about Faith,” Hope said as she hugged her brother while David held their youngest child.

  “I know this is hard. I can’t imagine your pain. But I do want you to know that God does know your pain. He’s not going to forsake, you. He’ll help you through this,” David tried to assure him.

  “I don’t want to talk about God right now,” Prodigal said sharply. “I feel like I’ve been pushed aside and stepped on; like my heart has been snatched from me.” Prodigal’s body shook and his tears poured. “I don’t want to be preached to right now. I’m sorry, I just don’t.”

  “It’s okay, brother. It’s okay,” said Hope in a soothing voice. “We’re here for you.”

  Baby Noah reached for his mother. She took him from David’s arms and kissed his chubby cheeks.

  “I’m going to feed Noah and then I’ll check on the other children,” Hope stated.

  David nodded. “Okay, sweetheart. I’m going to stay in here with Prodigal. If you need me, just holler.”

  ♦

  The following day, having returned home from laying Faith to rest, Prodigal did his best to put on a brave front for the many guests who came to pay their last respects to Faith. Their church had seen to it once again that there was an abundance of food and drink at the repast. While guests nibbled on the vast variety of food, Prodigal Runsome tried to hold back the attacks of grief that pounded away at his very soul.

  Passing through the hallway, David spotted Prodigal in his study. He tapped lightly on the slightly opened door.

  “May I come in?” asked David.

  Prodigal quickly lifted his head from his hands. “Sure brother-in-law.”

  David took a seat on the matching brown high back leather chair across from Prodigal.

  “Prodigal, my brother, I know you are going to grieve for Faith. You’re going to cry for her. You’re going to miss her something awful. And you will never stop missing her or loving her. But God wants me to remind you that Faith is now in his presence. When grief stages its attack on you, my brother, cling to this very fact. Those who belong to Him, well let me say this. The word tells us that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Which means we can rest assured that Faith is definitely with the Master now. You know how much she loved G
od, don’t you Prodigal?” David asked in a soft pastorally tone.

  “Yeah, Pas….David, I know man,” Prodigal sadly replied, almost calling his brother-in-law, Pastor. “Hey, man, thanks for your words of encouragement. I can’t tell you how grateful I am to have you and Hope here.”

  “We wouldn’t have it any other way, Prodigal. By the way, the last of the guests were leaving when I came in here. Would you care to go out into the family room, now?”

  “Sure, I should at least come out and say goodbye and thanks to everyone.” The two of them talked for a couple more minutes and then headed out of the study.

  Walking into the family room, they spotted the kids playing. David and Hope’s small tribe definitely helped the twins take their minds off everything that was going on in their young lives right now. Prodigal didn’t have to worry too much about Kevin and Kaleb while the Peters brood was around.

  Hope was excited to see everyone together even though it was not under pleasant circumstances. But for Hope, it could be the darkest of days and she would still be smiling and praising the Lord.

  ♦

  Teary reached out to him and pulled him close to her on the sofa. Everyone was gone and they were alone now. Prodigal and Faith’s families went to their hotels to try to escape the weight of grief they had experienced during Faith’s funeral. Seeing her lowered in the grave forced them to realize that everything was final. She was gone, never to return.

  Christmas Eve was three days away. Prodigal’s neighbors, Mr. And Mrs. Richards, graciously volunteered to take the boys to see Christmas lights to give them some sense of normalcy in the midst of grief. They were brave little boys. But that was all because of their mother. She prepared them for this moment. She told them she wanted them to know she would always be with them. “There’ll be times when you’ll miss Mommy,” she had told them. “But it’s only temporary because one day we’ll all be together again. Until then, Mommy wants you to be good boys, godly boys. Be obedient and always do your best in everything you do. I’ll be looking down on you from up in heaven and I’ll be smiling. Always remember that you must keep God first.”